Even after revealing his hidden billionaire identity to Lariette, Ruediger had never intended to bring up all the grand things he had done for her in secret.

He did all that to make her happier. At the same time, he hoped that the grand gestures wouldn't burden her.

If she asked, he would answer. If she didn't, there was nothing to talk about.

Still, Ruediger couldn't help but be happy when Lariette recalled the things that she initially regarded as beautiful coincidences. After all, he was still a human.

Pulling away from Lariette, Ruediger gently pinched her earlobe. His tender gaze fell on her slightly teary eyes. He chuckled softly while brushing the strands over her forehead.

Her face was cold. He inwardly reminded himself to tie a scarf around her whenever she had to go out later.

"Don't think too much about it, my love. I did all that to make the moments special, not to take any credit. It didn't matter whether you knew or not."

Lariette pursed her lips, still conflicted from being happy and upset toward Ruediger. One thing was for certain, his actions touched her heart.

From what he did in their daily lives to what he did discreetly.

This man... Even after they got together, he intended to keep what he had done secret. He might gain more brownie points if he told her.

Lariette smiled in helplessness, once again thinking her man was foolish, a fool in love.

"Okay. But I still want to thank you," she said after a moment of silence, her eyes locking into his, "You've really turned the moments more special. Thank you, honey."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

Lariette giggled when Ruediger suddenly left smooches on her face. His broad palms cupped her face, helping her to feel warm after being exposed to the cold air.

But she almost buried her face in his chest when a few people passed by and saw them being lovey-dovey in the pavilion. A lovely tint of pink spread on her face.

"Let's go back," she mumbled, "It'll be dark soon."

"Yeah," he replied, voice full of affection.

Holding Lariette by the waist, Ruediger led her out of the maze. The sky became darker than in the past hour. The lampposts had been turned on, illuminating the areas inside the public park.

After returning the bicycle to the rental kiosk, the pair immediately left. This place was quite far from their apartment. If the weekend traffic was bad, they might arrive home after an hour.

Nevertheless, today was such a fulfilling day for both of them.

Not intending to drop by anywhere to get dinner, they planned to boil the dumplings they still had in the freezer. And then, they could relax before embracing a brand new week tomorrow.

Lariette and Ruediger reached the apartment in forty minutes, not too early or too late. As they walked out of the basement parking lot, he carried the sealed box while she held the small topper box.

"I can't wait to see her on the tree," Lariette said as they entered the elevator, her smile beaming, "Hehe~ I think the tree will arrive when I'm at school."

The home center staff told Ruediger and Lariette to expect a call tomorrow. The delivery staff would inform them two hours before the lorry arrived.

"I'll set the tree up at the spot. You can see it as soon as you get back," Ruediger chuckled at the sight of her happy face, "Do you wanna decorate it tomorrow? Won't you feel tired?"

Tilting her head, Lariette weighed the options; to decorate the tree tomorrow or wait until the weekend. The former sounded so tempting, but...

Lariette sighed, "Maybe next weekend. I might clock out late tomorrow. It's the day before the exam, after all."

Ruediger laughed softly. Curling his lips into a grin, he said, "Don't worry. We'll decorate the tree and the apartment over the weekend. But I'll make sure to put the topper first thing the tree arrives tomorrow."

"No! It's my privilege!" she huffed, shooting him a glare, "I'll put the topper myself. Didn't you get it because of me?"

He paused from walking. She narrowed her eyes, wondering what he wanted to do. He said nothing as his eyes scanned her from head to toe, causing her to feel more suspicious.

"...what?"

Taking a step back, he smirked, "Can you reach the top? I think even with a ladder, you can't."

"I'm not that short!"

Ruediger arrived at the tenth floor with a slightly throbbing back. Lariette was so mad that she bumped her head against his back. Unfortunately, she was the one who suffered more.

Rubbing her forehead, Lariette eyed Ruediger as if she wanted to devour him alive. He simply laughed, not caring how loud his survival instinct alarm was.

"Sweetheart, I love you," he winked.

She huffed, and rushed inside the apartment without looking back. The man's laughter followed from behind. As she took off her coat, she heard him putting the box on the floor.

"Baby, don't be upset. I'm joking."

Ruediger swiftly pulled Lariette into his arms, trapping her easily. She tilted her chin up, wearing a stern face as if she was scrutinizing him. He kept an innocent look.

Lifting both hands, she squeezed his cheeks, "You're cheekier now, you know?"

"Only for my sweetheart," he replied, his voice sickeningly sweet.

Lariette laughed at herself. She wasn't really upset or anything. Knowing how much Ruediger indulged in her made her more willful, because she knew she didn't have to walk on eggshells around him.

"I'm not mad," she giggled, and stood on tiptoes to kiss him, light touches here and there, "But it feels great to act like a haughty queen."

"Okay, okay. I'll pamper this queen more tonight," he crooned, clearly liking how coquettishly she acted with him, "Should I draw you a bath? I'll put your favorite rose petals and bath bomb too."

"Hmm~ Bring me some hot tea and snacks too," she demanded.

"As you wish, my queen."

Lariette grinned, her smile was so bright it dazzled Ruediger.

They were so deeply immersed in their bubbles of happiness. Little did they know of the shadows lurking close.